Summary
A review-bombing campaign againstThe Acolyte, the latestStar WarsDisney+ TV show, has accidentally hit a 2008 movie and a fan-film. TheStar Warsfandom has always had a reputation for being divisive, and thereview-bombing campaign againstThe Acolytehas reinforced that impression. Scores of viewers are campaigning againstThe Acolyte, complaining against its “woke” agenda, and targeting showrunner Leslye Headland and some of the stars.
In a hilarious twist, it seems some of these review-bombers are accidentally criticizing the wrong thing.Jayson Kooswas the first to spot thata 2022 fan film calledThe Acolyterecently received a number of one-star reviewsthat look rather suspicious.
Cinelinx’sJordan Maisonadded to this, discovering thata 2008 movie calledAcolytesis also getting caught up in the review-bombing.
This is certainly an amusing twist, supporting the argument thatThe Acolyte’s low audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic isn’t really representative at all.
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Why Is The Acolyte Being Review-Bombed?
The Acolyteis Lucasfilm’s first attempt to takeStar Warsbeyond the Skywalker saga era, which means it’s particularly important in testing the long-term future of the entire franchise. Some parts of the fandom are currently focused on their dislike of Disney’s tenure; they don’t really want this iteration ofStar Warsto flourish, and are thus doing their best to damage it. Like everyStar Warsbacklash, at heartthere’s a battle of ownership going on- doesStar Wars"belong" to this portion of the fanbase or not?
Making matters even more explosive,The Acolytehas been caught up in the culture wars. An old clip from Star Wars Celebration 2023 was used to argue showrunner Leslye Headland was approaching the show with a social justice agenda;this was even shared by Elon Musk, who mocked it with a meme based on aSouth Parkepisode criticizing Lucasfilm. Right-wing accounts on social media seem particularly devoted to attackingThe Acolyte.
Unfortunately, as is so often the case, this backlash is generating a lot of heat but not much light. Legitimate criticisms and analysis are being drowned out, with viewers forced to take positions where they either defendThe Acolyteor attack it relentlessly. It’s another unhealthy twist in the story of theStar Warsfandom, and the ridiculous nature of this debate is perfectly illustrated by the fact the wrong movie and a fan film have been caught up in it.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
